Lakeview notables

DryHop Brewers

Hilary Higgins / For RedEye

House-made beers at at DryHop Brewers

House-made beers at at DryHop Brewers (Hilary Higgins / For RedEye)

Rockit Burger Bar3700 N. Clark St. 773-645-4400When the owners of Rockit Bar & Grill's Wrigleyville location realized that a majority of customers were ordering burgers, they revamped the menu to put the spotlight on this juicy favorite. Options include the award-winning Rockit Burger (topped with brie, date aioli and crispy shallots) as well as unique creations such as the The Hottie with breaded jalapenos, pepper jack and ghost pepper aioli.

Chilam Balam3023 N. Broadway 773-296-6901The menu at this garden-level Mexican-inspired restaurant changes often, but you can always count on plenty of grilled meats, complex sauces and seafood. Bring a bottle of red wine to make your own sangria or tequila to spike the house-made limeade.

Andy's Thai Kitchen946 W. Wellington St. 773-549-7821Devotees of chef Andy Aroonrasameruang's authentic Thai cooking at Tac Quick have followed him to his new outpost near the Wellington Brown Line station. Bring your own bottle or six-pack to pair with spicy, crunchy som tum salad or a range of noodle, curry and fried rice entrees.

DryHop Brewers3155 N. Broadway 773-857-3155Lakeview welcomed its first brewpub this year in the form of DryHop, where made-on-premise beers--available by the glass or flight--pair with a selection of hearty sandwiches, burgers, seafood and bar snacks, plus a newly launched brunch menu.

Wakamono3317 N. Broadway 773-296-6800There are plenty of sushi spots along Broadway, but this one's a favorite for the fresh fish and sizzling scene. Don't miss Wang's, the tiny, unmarked lair of a lounge next door where the bartenders garnish martinis with fresh slices of ginger and orchids plucked from vases on the counter.

Charlie's3726 N. Broadway 773-871-8887No matter what kicks off the party at this long-standing gay bar—karaoke, bingo or country dance lessons—the night always ends with a DJ-fueled, afterhours dance party.

Sola3868 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-327-3868When chef Carol Wallack, a California surfer girl who splits her time between Hawaii and Chicago, opened a restaurant on Lakeview's north end, this is the result: Midwest-sourced meats and produce prepared with island inspiration.

Bolat African Cuisine3346 N. Clark St. 773-665-1100This African eatery serves a menu of mostly Nigerian dishes, including spicy stews served with fufu, a dough made with sweet potatoes.

Machu Picchu3856 N. Ashland Ave. 773-472-0471Chili-spiced ceviche and steaks cooked a la parrilla (on the grill) are highlights at the Peruvian BYOB. For a switch from the usual six-pack or bottle of wine, bring a bottle of vodka to spike a pitcher of passion fruit juice.

Sluggers Sports Bar3540 N. Clark St. 773-248-0055This corner bar just down the street from Wrigley Field is the only place in the city where you can find batting cages, dueling pianos and a stiff drink all under one roof.

Las Tablas2942 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-2414This Colombian steakhouse specializes in traditional dishes ranging from arepas (cornbread with cheese and chorizo) to the entrana, a skirt steak doctored up with a secret blend of spices.

Frog N Snail3124 N. Broadway 773-661-9166Chef Dale Levitski, known by local foodies for his turns on "Top Chef" as well as his Lincoln Park restaurant Sprout, dreamed up his own spin on French bistro favorites such as escargots, cassoulet and steak frites at this playfully named restaurant.

Friar Tuck3010 N. Broadway 773-327-5101This laid-back tavern's bragging right is its wooden facade that looks like the end of a whiskey barrel.

The Long Room1612 W. Irving Park Road 773-665-4500For a pint of craft beer or a strong manhattan mixed up by a friendly barkeep, look to further than this bar on Lakeview's north edge. Walk past the super-long wood-trimmed bar to find by cozy booths in the back, plus a tucked-away patio for warm-weather sipping.

The Globe1934 W. Irving Park Road 773-871-3757In the early morning hours when most bars are shuttered, this pub is a magnet for European soccer (or football, as they say) fans watching games broadcast from across-the-ocean time zones with Irish coffee in hand. At night, it's a homey place for a pint or three.

Jeni's Ice Creams3404 N. Southport Ave. 773-348-7139This modern ice cream parlor peddles the sweet creations of Jeni Britton Bauer, the founder of Ohio-based Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Order a scoop or take home pints of flavors such as salty caramel, wildberry-lavender and whiskey-pecan.